US5179800A - Self-watering air-producing plant tray system - Google Patents

Self-watering air-producing plant tray system Download PDF

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Publication number
US5179800A
US5179800A US07/715,608 US71560891A US5179800A US 5179800 A US5179800 A US 5179800A US 71560891 A US71560891 A US 71560891A US 5179800 A US5179800 A US 5179800A
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United States
Prior art keywords
plant
tray
screen
plant tray
pruning
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Expired - Lifetime
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US07/715,608
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English (en)
Inventor
Barney K. Huang
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Individual
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Priority to US07/715,608 priority Critical patent/US5179800A/en
Priority to TW81104507A priority patent/TW199081B/zh
Priority to CA002073395A priority patent/CA2073395C/fr
Priority to EP92203412A priority patent/EP0596160B1/fr
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Publication of US5179800A publication Critical patent/US5179800A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/08—Devices for filling-up flower-pots or pots for seedlings; Devices for setting plants or seeds in pots
    • A01G9/086—Devices for repotting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0295—Units comprising two or more connected receptacles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to plant, seedling, and plug containers and trays with detachable screen bottoms for growing and handling air-pruned plants for superior plant growth and to increase agricultural production, including both greenhouse crops and field crops.
  • Healthy seedings of uniform size are required for transplanting in order to produce a superior plant in a greenhouse or in the filed.
  • Many materials, cell/edge/sidewall shapes and sizes of plant growth containers or trays are commercially available for plant or seedling culture varying in price, design and durability.
  • a major problem associated with a conventional tray is root binding or tangling which deters plant root development within the container and after the seedlings are transplanted.
  • An example of the air-pruning tray and its important application as an integral part of the fully automatic transplanting have been disclosed by Dr. Barney K. Huang in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,712,252 and 3,446,164.
  • the present invention entails a plant growing tray system that is designed to improve overall performance and overcome the difficulties of mass production techniques.
  • the plant growing tray of the present invention is provided with an elevated edge to hold water surrounding each tray cell for self watering, increased tray rigidity, and maintenance of uniform root-zone temperature throughout the tray.
  • the indexed trays can be filled with water to facilitate rapid seedling removal and injection with water for efficient transplanting operation.
  • the detachable bottom screen or perforated bottom also has a surrounding edge so that it can be press fitted into the bottom portion of the air-pruning tray to maintain a tight fit and increase tray system rigidity for self-support, easy handling and shipping of fully grown seedlings in the tray system.
  • Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a plant tray structure having a surrounding edge to hold water surrounding each tray cell for self watering, increased tray rigidity, and maintaining uniform root-zone temperature through the tray.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a plant tray with a quickly detachable, frictionally fitted bottom tray screen that can be easily connected to the bottom of the plant tray as well as easily removed from the bottom of the plant tray.
  • Still a further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a frictionally fitted detachable screen for the bottom of a plant tray wherein the screen when fitted to the plant tray is firmly held thereon and forms a generally rigid plant tray and screen structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view that illustrates an integrated plant growing tray system of the present invention showing the surrounding edge of the air-pruning tray and the surrounding edge of the detachable screen or perforated bottom which is press fitted into the bottom portion of the air-pruning tray.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the plant tray and screen with portions of the plant tray broken away to better illustrate the screen.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view that illustrates another design of integrated plant growing tray system of the present invention showing the surrounding edge of the air-pruning tray and the surrounding edge of the detachable screen or perforated bottom which is click fitted into the bottom portion of the air-pruning tray.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic fragmentary cross-sectional view that illustrates the air-pruned seedling being shot out from the tray with water to facilitate fully automated transplanting.
  • Plant tray structure 10 includes a main plant holding body that comprises a base 12, a plurality of aligned and uniformly spaced truncated pyramid shaped cells 14 and surrounding sides 16 which holds water surrounding each cell for self watering from the cell top or microholes in the cell wall and maintain uniform temperature throughout the tray.
  • a main plant holding body that comprises a base 12, a plurality of aligned and uniformly spaced truncated pyramid shaped cells 14 and surrounding sides 16 which holds water surrounding each cell for self watering from the cell top or microholes in the cell wall and maintain uniform temperature throughout the tray.
  • Formed about the upper portion of side 16 is an outwardly directed edge or flange 16a.
  • the existence of side 16 surrounding the outer edge of tray increase the rigidity of tray for easy handling.
  • Side 16 is designed to fit into the index frame of the fully automatic transplanting machine for indexing.
  • Each cell tapers upward from the open-bottom which provides air-pruning and eliminates root-tangling and root-binding.
  • a detachable screen or perforated bottom 20 which functions to hold and confine the plant growing medium within each cell.
  • the bottom also has a surrounding side 21 which is designed to fit snugly into the bottom portion of the tray 10. Formed about the upper portion of side 21 is an outwardly directed edge or flange 21a. After pressing the detachable bottom 20 into the tray 10, the rigidity of the integrated tray system increases considerably for easy handling and shipping of seedlings. One can readily remove the screen 20 from the plant tray 10 by pressing edge 16a and side 21a apart. This facilitates removing screen 20 from plant tray 10.
  • FIG. 3 discloses yet another embodiment of the present invention that is similar in principal to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
  • the side of the detachable bottom 20 is click fitted into the indented edge of the air-pruning tray.
  • the upturn side 21 includes an upper curled click 21b that tends to be biased over the upper terminal side 16 of the tray.
  • click 21b tends to positively hold the screen 20 about the bottom of the plant tray 10.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the application of this air-pruning tray to fully automated transplanting.
  • the plant loaded tray 10 is fitted into the indexing frame 30 over the plant bearing plate 31 of the transplanter.
  • both plant and water are injected simultaneously to a planting area, whether it be in the field, in a pot, or in the other containers.
  • the presence of the water is of course important in providing for the well being of the plant after transplanting, but the water also provides an effective seal between the tray 10 and bearing plate 31 and consequently contributes to the efficient inducement of plants from the plant tray during transplanting.
  • the downward force of the water from the injection tube needs to provide an opening within the soil or other plant medium for receiving the plant. Additionally, the downward force of the injected water tends to cover the plant root area once the plant has been set in the soil or plant growing medium.
  • the detachable, frictionally fitted screen 20 has numerous advantages in that the same can be easily and quickly attached and detached from the plant tray 10.
  • the screen 20 includes an upturn side 21 that is designed to frictionally engage the upturn side 16 of the plant tray. To remove screen 20 from the bottom of plant tray 10, all that is required is that the frictional force holding the screen 20 about the bottom of the plant tray 20 be overcome.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
US07/715,608 1991-06-14 1991-06-14 Self-watering air-producing plant tray system Expired - Lifetime US5179800A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/715,608 US5179800A (en) 1991-06-14 1991-06-14 Self-watering air-producing plant tray system
TW81104507A TW199081B (fr) 1991-06-14 1992-06-10
CA002073395A CA2073395C (fr) 1991-06-14 1992-07-08 Plateau de culture auto-irrigant a circulation d'air
EP92203412A EP0596160B1 (fr) 1991-06-14 1992-11-06 Récipient pour plantes pour arrosage et arrêt des racines à l'air ainsi que système de plantation

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/715,608 US5179800A (en) 1991-06-14 1991-06-14 Self-watering air-producing plant tray system
CA002073395A CA2073395C (fr) 1991-06-14 1992-07-08 Plateau de culture auto-irrigant a circulation d'air
EP92203412A EP0596160B1 (fr) 1991-06-14 1992-11-06 Récipient pour plantes pour arrosage et arrêt des racines à l'air ainsi que système de plantation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5179800A true US5179800A (en) 1993-01-19

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/715,608 Expired - Lifetime US5179800A (en) 1991-06-14 1991-06-14 Self-watering air-producing plant tray system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5179800A (fr)
EP (1) EP0596160B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2073395C (fr)

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994026092A1 (fr) * 1993-05-13 1994-11-24 Dulverre Pty. Ltd. Conteneur pour plantes
US5431116A (en) * 1993-10-26 1995-07-11 New Century Technology Corporation Pneumatic transplanter
US5507116A (en) * 1994-10-11 1996-04-16 New Century Technology Air-pruning plant growing system
US5983564A (en) * 1998-08-03 1999-11-16 Stragnola; Steven Vincent Hydroponic growing station with integrated watering supply
US6182394B1 (en) 1999-03-25 2001-02-06 Louis M. Bassler Plant watering device
US6357180B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2002-03-19 Barney K. Huang Push-pull root air-prunting tray and container systems
US6553714B2 (en) * 2001-02-01 2003-04-29 Ronald Vahrmeyer Container for a bulb
US6634306B1 (en) 2002-07-30 2003-10-21 Frank W. Faulring Method and apparatus for transplanting
US20040079263A1 (en) * 2001-01-24 2004-04-29 Tagawa Kenneth K Plant growing system to maximize transplant yield
US20040118730A1 (en) * 2002-11-05 2004-06-24 Rynel, Inc. Trays for growth plugs, and methods of producing them
US6915607B2 (en) 2001-06-08 2005-07-12 Tagawa Greenhouses, Inc. Operational system for transplanting growing plants
US20060075938A1 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-04-13 Meissen Cynthia R Connector for support structures
US20090145870A1 (en) * 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises, Llc Collapsible support apparatus and methods
WO2013150255A1 (fr) * 2012-04-03 2013-10-10 Prakashkumar Narasimhamurthy Procédé et planteuse pour fournir une aération continue ainsi qu'un transfert de chaleur ou de froid aux racines des plantes
US20150216116A1 (en) * 2012-10-04 2015-08-06 Tsubakimoto Chain Co. Plant transplantation device and culturing panel
CN109169029A (zh) * 2018-11-13 2019-01-11 安徽省马道悠然电子商务有限公司 一种黄蜀葵的种植方法
CN109328897A (zh) * 2018-11-27 2019-02-15 胡俊凯 一种藜蒿的栽培方法
CN109328898A (zh) * 2018-11-27 2019-02-15 胡俊凯 一种茼蒿的栽培方法
US10251350B2 (en) * 2012-11-13 2019-04-09 Jalmaja Holding B.V. Growing system and method for growing plants on water
USD932344S1 (en) 2018-10-30 2021-10-05 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Vegetation container
WO2025046395A1 (fr) * 2023-09-01 2025-03-06 Fravizel - Equipamentos Metalomecânicos, S.A. Plateau pour la sélection de plantes et approprié pour la replantation automatisée

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0758524A1 (fr) * 1995-08-11 1997-02-19 Chong-Loung Houng Plateau à semis et machine pour transplanter des jeunes plants
WO2001047346A1 (fr) * 1999-12-28 2001-07-05 Mercedes Caparros Tartalo Dispositif destine au stockage a long terme de graines pre-semees en blocs
CN112739200A (zh) * 2018-07-18 2021-04-30 成长方案技术有限责任公司 流水线生长舱中的机械施加器以及通过机械施加器提供流体和种子的方法
WO2021092834A1 (fr) * 2019-11-14 2021-05-20 南京慧瞳作物表型组学研究院有限公司 Boîte de culture de semis pour l'arviculture

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1851052A (en) * 1929-08-22 1932-03-29 Mcelroy Bessie Grave form
US3142133A (en) * 1962-01-22 1964-07-28 Ralph P Brooks Planter
US3712252A (en) * 1970-11-06 1973-01-23 Research Corp Seedling growing and handling device
US3751852A (en) * 1971-02-12 1973-08-14 Fabri Kal Corp Plastic planter flat
CH614346A5 (en) * 1978-03-22 1979-11-30 Hans Roppel Plant pot for biological/organic worm earth
US4224765A (en) * 1979-02-07 1980-09-30 Song John S Plant culture container
US4242834A (en) * 1979-10-19 1981-01-06 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Nestable and stackable transplanting system
US4255898A (en) * 1977-01-31 1981-03-17 George Greenbaum Modular plant device
US4312152A (en) * 1980-06-09 1982-01-26 Agrownautics, Inc. Buoyant support structure and system and method using structure for water culture of plants
US4495725A (en) * 1984-03-12 1985-01-29 Talbott Gene B Seed germinating apparatus and method
US4584791A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-04-29 Brandon Woods Associates Soiless agricultural system and components therefore
US4785578A (en) * 1983-06-20 1988-11-22 G.W.A. Kaars Sijpesteijn Plant growing frame
US4918863A (en) * 1982-12-17 1990-04-24 Youssef Nabil N Method and apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants
US4926587A (en) * 1986-11-21 1990-05-22 Wingerden Aart Van Method and apparatus for propagating plants

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2893168A (en) * 1958-05-05 1959-07-07 Northrup King & Co Combination seed merchandising and germinating package
US3028705A (en) * 1961-01-03 1962-04-10 Paul J Howard Multiple container for plants
US4236350A (en) * 1978-08-21 1980-12-02 Hasselbach Sr Arthur Seedling tray assembly and greenhouse

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1851052A (en) * 1929-08-22 1932-03-29 Mcelroy Bessie Grave form
US3142133A (en) * 1962-01-22 1964-07-28 Ralph P Brooks Planter
US3712252A (en) * 1970-11-06 1973-01-23 Research Corp Seedling growing and handling device
US3751852A (en) * 1971-02-12 1973-08-14 Fabri Kal Corp Plastic planter flat
US4255898A (en) * 1977-01-31 1981-03-17 George Greenbaum Modular plant device
CH614346A5 (en) * 1978-03-22 1979-11-30 Hans Roppel Plant pot for biological/organic worm earth
US4224765A (en) * 1979-02-07 1980-09-30 Song John S Plant culture container
US4242834A (en) * 1979-10-19 1981-01-06 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Nestable and stackable transplanting system
US4312152A (en) * 1980-06-09 1982-01-26 Agrownautics, Inc. Buoyant support structure and system and method using structure for water culture of plants
US4918863A (en) * 1982-12-17 1990-04-24 Youssef Nabil N Method and apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants
US4785578A (en) * 1983-06-20 1988-11-22 G.W.A. Kaars Sijpesteijn Plant growing frame
US4495725A (en) * 1984-03-12 1985-01-29 Talbott Gene B Seed germinating apparatus and method
US4584791A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-04-29 Brandon Woods Associates Soiless agricultural system and components therefore
US4926587A (en) * 1986-11-21 1990-05-22 Wingerden Aart Van Method and apparatus for propagating plants

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994026092A1 (fr) * 1993-05-13 1994-11-24 Dulverre Pty. Ltd. Conteneur pour plantes
US5431116A (en) * 1993-10-26 1995-07-11 New Century Technology Corporation Pneumatic transplanter
US5507116A (en) * 1994-10-11 1996-04-16 New Century Technology Air-pruning plant growing system
US5983564A (en) * 1998-08-03 1999-11-16 Stragnola; Steven Vincent Hydroponic growing station with integrated watering supply
US6357180B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2002-03-19 Barney K. Huang Push-pull root air-prunting tray and container systems
US6182394B1 (en) 1999-03-25 2001-02-06 Louis M. Bassler Plant watering device
US20050045079A1 (en) * 2001-01-24 2005-03-03 Tagawa Greenhouses, Inc. Transplant yield maximization system for growing plants
US7069693B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2006-07-04 Tagawa Greenhouses, Inc. Transplant yield maximization system for growing plants
US20040079263A1 (en) * 2001-01-24 2004-04-29 Tagawa Kenneth K Plant growing system to maximize transplant yield
US6553714B2 (en) * 2001-02-01 2003-04-29 Ronald Vahrmeyer Container for a bulb
US6915607B2 (en) 2001-06-08 2005-07-12 Tagawa Greenhouses, Inc. Operational system for transplanting growing plants
US6634306B1 (en) 2002-07-30 2003-10-21 Frank W. Faulring Method and apparatus for transplanting
US20040118730A1 (en) * 2002-11-05 2004-06-24 Rynel, Inc. Trays for growth plugs, and methods of producing them
US20060075938A1 (en) * 2004-10-12 2006-04-13 Meissen Cynthia R Connector for support structures
US7735429B2 (en) * 2004-10-12 2010-06-15 Rehrig Pacific Company Connector for support structures
US20090145870A1 (en) * 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises, Llc Collapsible support apparatus and methods
WO2013150255A1 (fr) * 2012-04-03 2013-10-10 Prakashkumar Narasimhamurthy Procédé et planteuse pour fournir une aération continue ainsi qu'un transfert de chaleur ou de froid aux racines des plantes
US20150216116A1 (en) * 2012-10-04 2015-08-06 Tsubakimoto Chain Co. Plant transplantation device and culturing panel
US10251350B2 (en) * 2012-11-13 2019-04-09 Jalmaja Holding B.V. Growing system and method for growing plants on water
USD932344S1 (en) 2018-10-30 2021-10-05 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Vegetation container
CN109169029A (zh) * 2018-11-13 2019-01-11 安徽省马道悠然电子商务有限公司 一种黄蜀葵的种植方法
CN109328897A (zh) * 2018-11-27 2019-02-15 胡俊凯 一种藜蒿的栽培方法
CN109328898A (zh) * 2018-11-27 2019-02-15 胡俊凯 一种茼蒿的栽培方法
WO2025046395A1 (fr) * 2023-09-01 2025-03-06 Fravizel - Equipamentos Metalomecânicos, S.A. Plateau pour la sélection de plantes et approprié pour la replantation automatisée

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0596160A1 (fr) 1994-05-11
EP0596160B1 (fr) 1999-03-17
CA2073395A1 (fr) 1994-01-09
CA2073395C (fr) 1999-09-21

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